Oxfordshire RFU

OFFICIAL NOTIFCATION OF LEGIONELLA RISK

BACKGROUND
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have issued advice concerning the increased risks of legionella arising from lockdown. This is caused in particular by closed or reduced occupancy of buildings. Employers, the self-employed and people in control of premises, such as landlords and tenants, have a duty to identify and control risks associated with legionella.
It is essential that when buildings begin to re-open that the risks are assessed before water systems are put back into use. All hot and cold water systems must be considered; anywhere that has a water supply which is currently shut down or is experiencing restricted use poses an increased risk.

A combination of warmer external temperatures and low use of water systems has created ideal conditions for legionella bacteria to grow. Legionella bacteria thrives between 20 and 50 degrees; one of the key control measures is to ensure your cold water is cold and your hot water is hot. The time for stagnation has increased across buildings unoccupied or with reduced use. Generally where water is left within a system without movement for more than a week then the risk of growth will increase.

You must continue to take steps to manage the risks of exposure to legionella. This includes a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and where the risks within the water system have changed, as they have now for a large number of systems, the risk assessment must be reviewed and revised. For simple hot and cold water systems, a review should be straightforward. The main focus is to prevent stagnation and avoid water temperature in the risk area of 20 – 50 degrees..

It is recommended that you ensure the turnover of any water stored in tanks every 24 hours where possible and movement of water through pipework and outlets at least once a week to prevent it from becoming stagnant. If this is not possible, for example where the building is closed, additional steps are required.

Organisations are strongly advised to plan ahead to ensure the risks of legionella are managed and in order to enable organisations to return to premises, when they are authorised to do so.

Failure to manage the risks associated with legionella is a breach of health and safety law. Legionnaires disease is a type of pneumonia which can cause serious respiratory illness. The current risks are two-fold: there is an increased risk of legionella bacteria as a result of lockdown but there is also potentially an increased number of people susceptible as a result of a comprised respiratory system caused by Covid-19.

1. All water outlets in hot and cold systems should be used or flushed at least once a week to maintain a degree of water flow and minimise stagnation. Taps should be turned on for a gentle water flow, not at full force to avoid excess splashing, for 2 or 3 minutes. Toilets can be flushed with the lid down or covered for those without a lid. Showers could be flushed using a plastic freezer-type bag, secured with an elastic band above the showerhead and with a cut from the bottom of the bag to allow drainage. This will reduce the risk of aerated water droplets circulating within the shower area.

2. To manage risks during non-occupancy, consideration should be given to implementing a suitable flushing regime, or other measures, such as draining the system. Especially if it is to remain vacant and unused for a long period. However, it should be considered that moisture may remain in the system, enabling a biofilm to develop where there are pockets of water or high humidity.

3. Avoid debris getting into the system (ensure that any cold-water tanks have a tight-fitting lid).

4. Where hot water must be stored, set control parameters (set the temperature of the hot water cylinder to ensure water is stored at 60 ºC). This water must then be distributed so that it reaches a temperature of 50 ºC within one metre at outlets (scalding risks to be considered by using thermostatic valves).

5. Dismantle, clean, and disinfect showerheads frequently, preferably monthly, if regular weekly flushing is maintained.

6. Some clubs may have a specialist contractor to undertake aspects of the operation, maintenance and control measures required for their water systems. While these contractors have legal responsibilities, the ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the system rests with the employer. If you have such a contract, it should be maintained during the period of lock-down.

7. Before return to use, where hot water systems have been switched off the system must be thoroughly flushed, and cleaned and disinfected, where possible, especially if weekly flushing has not been maintained. Where drained, the system should be refilled and disinfected and all hot water storage tanks to be heated to 60 ºC.

8. If the showers are of a semi-domestic type with replaceable shower heads it is advisable to replace the shower heads and the hoses. This will eliminate any contamination that may be left in the shower heads.

9. Every club should carry out this procedure if the showers have been left idle during the lockdown and the hot water has been turned off.

Legionella is a very dangerous disease that is why we are advising as a County body that you follow this procedure to make sure that your club is safe.

Any further advice needed please contact the county via our website or email links